Leadership Excellence in Arts Education

• What do we do? We empower young learners to identify themselves as artists and designers, developing critical skills such as technical ability, observation, and interpretation. As teachers who are also artists, we nurture a creative environment where students thrive, inspired by their educators and their surroundings.

• Why do we do it? We believe that art and design can provide genuine meaning in individuals' lives while positively impacting society. How can we create an engaging and inclusive atmosphere that draws more aspiring creatives into the fold? Together, we aim to democratise art and design education, offering high-impact content and mentorship that paves the way for students to envision a rewarding future in the arts.

• What makes art and design unique? We affirm that anyone can become an artist, and if you’ve ever connected with art or design, you’re already on the path. How can we foster a culture of creativity that encourages exploration, embraces challenges, and celebrates the diverse journeys of our students?

Our Collective Goal Together, as educators and artists, we inspire and achieve greatness in our students, transforming them into confident, successful individuals ready to leave their mark on the world.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

• Heads of Art & Design Departments

• Aspiring Heads of Art & Design Departments

• Directors of Art & Design Faculties

• Senior Leaders responsible for Art & Design

What is Provided

• Example of strategic leadership framework & departmental handbook - Examples of excellent schemes of work

• Examples of different digital portfolios and live work including sketchbooks - Coursework and exam work at GCSE and A Level Fine Art and Photography - CPD certificate of attendance

• PowerPoint presentations of course materials

• Invitation to continue with support in frequent online or in person consultation sessions.

Key Objectives

1. Understand what excellence in an Art & Design department looks like and the Head of Art & Design's role in achieving it.

2. Develop an understanding of the power of assessment for learning to enhance teaching and learning within the department.

3. Strengthen the ability to lead, support, and nurture both experienced and inexperienced teachers.

4. Learn to make efficient use of resources and physical space, utilising technical support effectively.

TBC

Stuart Jarvis is a distinguished art educator and a former Director of Faculty with experience across both maintained and independent sectors. Stuart firmly believes that great results are an inevitable consequence of establishing fundamental structures of best practice, both within the curriculum and beyond.

Stuart holds an MA in Contemporary Art and Professional Practice from the University of Essex. As a former Edexcel A Level Moderator, he brings valuable insights to curriculum standards. With 20 years of teaching experience, he has also served as a former Educational Visits Coordinator (EVC), leading numerous overseas art and design trips.

As a practising and commissioned artist, Stuart has gained recognition through numerous exhibitions across the UK, including the annual New English Art Club (NEAC) in 2023; the Pastel Society in 2022, 2023, and 2024, and the Royal Institute of Oil Painters (ROI) in 2023 and 2024. Notably, he appeared on Sky Arts' Landscape Artist of the Year in 2021 and has been invited back to teach Masterclasses in charcoal urban landscape, set to air in 2025.

Stuart’s consultancy work and leadership in various educational settings reflect his dedication to improving curriculum strategy and development while providing support with practical studio and workshop elements. He combines his professional artistic practice with his teaching; this unique symbiosis in secondary education allows the fostering of creativity and innovation as both teacher and artist.